Close Call/Serious Incident

Location:

Campbell River, B.C.

Date of Incident / Close Call:

2007-04-28

Company Name:

Strathcona Contracting Ltd.

Details of Incident / Close Call:

Drill swamper was using a sledge hammer to hammer loose a coupling from a broken 10-foot drill steel. The drill steel and attached coupler were placed on the ground to provide for a solid base. The employee was somewhat hurried in his actions in that he wanted to have the coupler freed by the time the driller had completed his current length of steel. The employee removed his safety glasses to provide a clearer view of the object(s) he was trying to hammer loose. Upon hitting the steel and coupling with the sledge hammer, a piece of rock was dislodged from beneath or alongside the steel and struck the employee in the right eye. The employee was taken to the Campbell River District Hospital for assessment and further treatment, as req’d. This incident became a lost time injury as the employee suffered lacerations to the cornea. The employee returned to work the following week.

Learnings and Suggestions:

1.)Employees reminded of their responsibilities for maintaining PPE in good condition and for requesting replacement when necessary.2.)Employees reminded to wear appropriate PPE when conducting work activities for the Company. This policy is not optional.3.)Company supervisors to inspect condition of PPE during site inspections and replace as required.